"The Aaron Game" Pre-Game Thread for Week 8 vs Steelers

[OldSchool101]

GB has played 6 contests. They have been heavily competitive in every game. The only loss was as much GB beating themselves as much as anything. They could easily be 4-2 or 6-0 for that matter. The cumulative opponent quality is middling to pedestrian. We clearly caught Detroit napping week 1 which was perfect.
The rest of our opponents are a clump of .500 level types (regardless of us lowering that rating) that each had flaws. Not negating the Wins, because it’s hard to go 4-1-1 in any season even with some weaker opponents mixed in.

With some good fortune, GB will come out of this game with a close Win and without any new injuries. I suspect we will start to see starters slowly trickle back each week afterwards. Wyatt, Watson and Van Ness, plus possibly backed up by some depth players like Oliver or Monk. They’ll have to be strategic about activating them onto the active Roster. Possibly bringing back 1 each week.

Steelers are not particularly strong in any area other than takeaways (10). They’ve created 5 INT and 5 Fumbles so they rely on an opportunity Defense in getting help in their Wins. The key here is to Go even or Win the takeaways and that’s not easy with AR under Center. Ideally we get a strip Sack or Punch a ball out at some point.

GB 27 Steelers 23

 

[milani]

GB has played 6 contests. They have been heavily competitive in every game. The only loss was as much GB beating themselves as much as anything. They could easily be 4-2 or 6-0 for that matter. The cumulative opponent quality is middling to pedestrian. We clearly caught Detroit napping week 1 which was perfect.
The rest of our opponents are a clump of .500 level types that each had flaws. Not negating the Wins, because it’s hard to go 4-1-1 in any season even with some weaker opponents mixed in.

With some good fortune, GB will come out of this game with a close Win and without any new injuries. I suspect we will start to see starters slowly trickle back each week afterwards. Wyatt, Watson and Van Ness, plus possibly backed up by some depth players like Oliver or Monk. They’ll have to be strategic about activating them onto the active Roster. Possibly bringing back 1 each week.

Steelers are not particularly strong in any area other than takeaways (10). They’ve created 5 INT and 5 Fumbles so they rely on an opportunity Defense in getting help in their Wins. The key here is to Go even or Win the takeaways and that’s not easy with AR under Center. Ideally we get a strip Sack or Punch a ball out at some point.

GB 27 Steelers 23

This is a Steeler team that has given up points for sure unlike some of the years in that smash mouth division. And 2 of their wins are over the Jets and Browns. Then 2 against the Vikings and Patriots. The Seahawks went into Pittsburgh and beat them.

 

[OldSchool101]

This is a Steeler team that has given up points for sure unlike some of the years in that smash mouth division. And 2 of their wins are over the Jets and Browns. Then 2 against the Vikings and Patriots. The Seahawks went into Pittsburgh and beat them.

Yes. The Patriots had 5 turnovers also. Not going to win much that way.

In the Steelers pair of losses they went
Seattle (even at zero turnovers)
Bengals (-2 turnovers)

A primary key will be to not provide them too much help. Play disciplined and limit flags. Play mostly mistake free and the Packers should not only be competitive, they should get a Road Win.

 

[Pugger]

He thought he was going to be there when he traded down and looked smart getting a extra pick.. still hurts to this day

Unfortunately if memory serves the Steelers took Watt with the very next pick after we took King!

 

[Sanguine camper]

The Steelers will continue to get the ball out early and take 7 to 10 yard passes all night long. Unless the Packers are willing to go to a man to man defense and play up on the LOS, I don't see how they can stop Rodgers. He'll nickel and dime to death if they let him do it. It they play a soft zone, be prepared for one of those games where the defense won't force a punt.

Another reason why the Steelers will go to a quick hitting offense is to keep Parsons away from the QB. If a pass play takes less than 2 1/2 seconds, it's nearly impossible for the pass rush to get home.

Another huge issue is the Packers play poorly in prime time road games and they haven't won in Pittsburg since what seems like the Lombardi era.

Prediction Steelers 37 - Packers 24

 

[milani]

The Steelers will continue to get the ball out early and take 7 to 10 yard passes all night long. Unless the Packers are willing to go to a man to man defense and play up on the LOS, I don't see how they can stop Rodgers. He'll nickel and dime to death if they let him do it. It they play a soft zone, be prepared for one of those games where the defense won't force a punt.

Another reason why the Steelers will go to a quick hitting offense is to keep Parsons away from the QB. If a pass play takes less than 2 1/2 seconds, it's nearly impossible for the pass rush to get home.

Another huge issue is the Packers play poorly in prime time road games and they haven't won in Pittsburg since what seems like the Lombardi era.

Prediction Steelers 37 - Packers 24

I believe it was 1969 when sore armed Bart Starr came off the bench to throw a late TD to win it. In 1970 Bart did it again for us. After that it was the decade of the Steel Curtain.

 

[OldSchool101]

The Steelers will continue to get the ball out early and take 7 to 10 yard passes all night long. Unless the Packers are willing to go to a man to man defense and play up on the LOS, I don't see how they can stop Rodgers. He'll nickel and dime to death if they let him do it. It they play a soft zone, be prepared for one of those games where the defense won't force a punt.

Another reason why the Steelers will go to a quick hitting offense is to keep Parsons away from the QB. If a pass play takes less than 2 1/2 seconds, it's nearly impossible for the pass rush to get home.

Another huge issue is the Packers play poorly in prime time road games and they haven't won in Pittsburg since what seems like the Lombardi era.

Prediction Steelers 37 - Packers 24

I appreciate the guess but the probability of that is very low. Curious what makes you think the Steelers will put up 37pts? Do you think we’ll give up a couple of INT or something?

 

[milani]

I appreciate the guess but the probability of that is very low. Curious what makes you think the Steelers will put up 37pts? Do you think we’ll give up a couple of INT or something?

True, they have not won there since 1970 but the Packers actually seem to perform better when more attention is drawn to a game even if they do not always come out on top. It is when their game is disregarded like the Brown and Bengal games this year that the kids get complacent or relaxed. Both teams are going to fight this one like the 40-40 prime timer in Dallas.

 

[Thirteen Below]

Another reason why the Steelers will go to a quick hitting offense is to keep Parsons away from the QB. If a pass play takes less than 2 1/2 seconds, it's nearly impossible for the pass rush to get home.

I don't think we give up 37 points, I wouldn't be shocked if they nag 30 on us. The book is out on Hafley's soft zone D, and I expect Rodgers **** and dunk up and down the field all night long, 6-8 yards at a time.

I still think we win, but unless Hafley adds a couple new tricks to his D, I think Rodgers will feast on us, one little bitty bite at a time.

 

[Sanguine camper]

I appreciate the guess but the probability of that is very low. Curious what makes you think the Steelers will put up 37pts? Do you think we’ll give up a couple of INT or something?

The Cowboys put up 40. Their quick passing game was effective. I see no reason why that can't be repeated by Rodgers, Metcalf and company. It's foolish to rely on 5 step dropbacks against the Packers when Parsons can disrupt things. Go to quick passes, and you take him totally out of the game.

 

[Sanguine camper]

I believe it was 1969 when sore armed Bart Starr came off the bench to throw a late TD to win it. In 1970 Bart did it again for us. After that it was the decade of the Steel Curtain.

No doubt, Pittsburg has been a house of horrors for Green Bay for over 50 years. Didn't Rothlisberger set records against the Packers in a game in Pittsburg with Capers as the D coordinator. I think he passed for over 500 yards.

 

[gopkrs]

No doubt, Pittsburg has been a house of horrors for Green Bay for over 50 years. Didn't Rothlisberger set records against the Packers in a game in Pittsburg with Capers as the D coordinator. I think he passed for over 500 yards.

Just to say, Norman Van Brocklyn still has the record for single game passing. He also beat us in Lombardi's first championship game.

 

[Magooch]

The Cowboys put up 40. Their quick passing game was effective. I see no reason why that can't be repeated by Rodgers, Metcalf and company. It's foolish to rely on 5 step dropbacks against the Packers when Parsons can disrupt things. Go to quick passes, and you take him totally out of the game.

True enough, but at the same time the Cowboys have had arguably the best offense in the league this year… and the Steelers have faced worse defenses than ours (Bengals, Jets) but their highest output this season has been 34 pts.

I’m sure Rodgers will be more than up for it and I don’t want to underestimate them but at the same time do we really expect them to have an easier time against us than the JETS of all teams??

 

[milani]

No doubt, Pittsburg has been a house of horrors for Green Bay for over 50 years. Didn't Rothlisberger set records against the Packers in a game in Pittsburg with Capers as the D coordinator. I think he passed for over 500 yards.

2009. We put up points as well. But in the last drive they marched down and hit one in the end zone with time just about out. Capers played zone because his secondary either had injuries or were not good enough to play man. And our front 4 could not get pressure. We had Woodson and Nick Collins on the roster along with Hawk and Claymaker, so it baffles me. I believe Al Harris was still a Packer. When Capers got there he switched us from a 4-3 to a 3-4. It was a change.

 

[Snoops]

Unfortunately if memory serves the Steelers took Watt with the very next pick after we took King!

Watt was picked right after they traded the pick they didn’t pick king over watt lol gosh can u imagine lmaoooo

 

[OldSchool101]

I don't think we give up 37 points, I wouldn't be shocked if they nag 30 on us. The book is out on Hafley's soft zone D, and I expect Rodgers **** and dunk up and down the field all night long, 6-8 yards at a time.

I still think we win, but unless Hafley adds a couple new tricks to his D, I think Rodgers will feast on us, one little bitty bite at a time.

Even at Dallas points were awarded to the Defense that didn’t belong. We had 3pts in OT. Also the Offense spotted Dallas the ball in scoring position 1st n 10 at the GB15. I don’t fault the Defense. The stat line looks worse than actual. I believe had the GB Offense not fumbled the ball? Dallas scores 30pts in regulation. We also know using hindsight that Dallas is not Slouches on Offense. They are certainly much better than the Pittsburgh Steelers on Offense.

In addition GB is likely to get Devonte Wyatt back in the mix. I know the Packers are giving up mediocre yardage and 20.8pts per game, but I’d find it unlikely to see any heavy bets on Steelers plopping 37 points. Not saying it’s impossible but it’s just as likely they score 10 pts. Sounds more like someone exercising frustration there. Heck I doubt The Packers score 37pts either.

 

[OldSchool101]

I could actually see a Defensive Slug fest. Both teams have pretty good DL and often dictates the game flow. Might see a 22-20 type battle.
It’ll be interesting to see if Watson suits up though. I think his presence could be underestimated some.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Everybody be sure to have a barf bag next to your loungers. The Steelers are wearing their 1933 Throwback uniforms on Sunday night.

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To cut down on the confusion of everyone wearing yellow helmets, the Packers will counter with their all white uniforms.

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[OldSchool101]

The Cowboys put up 40. Their quick passing game was effective. I see no reason why that can't be repeated by Rodgers, Metcalf and company. It's foolish to rely on 5 step dropbacks against the Packers when Parsons can disrupt things. Go to quick passes, and you take him totally out of the game.

No no no. The Cowboys are a better Offense than Steelers. Also it took the Cowboys 5 Quarters and we had to fumble the ball on the GB15. Not saying we can fumble again in the redzone or that Steelers can’t outscore the Cowboys here, but against a Top 10 Scoring Defense (us)? I just think it’s you setting very low expectations of a Packers team that’s one of several teams leaguewide who rank Top 10 in both Offense and Defense.
I don’t want to hear anything but emphatic praise if we win! Praising us utterly smashing your expectations of overcoming all odds against such a Pittsburgh Powerhouse

 

[Heyjoe4]

No no no. The Cowboys are a better Offense than Steelers. Also it took the Cowboys 5 Quarters and we had to fumble the ball on the GB15. Not saying we can fumble again in the redzone or that Steelers can’t outscore the Cowboys here, but against a Top 10 Scoring Defense (us)? I just think it’s you setting very low expectations of a Packers team that’s one of several teams leaguewide who rank Top 10 in both Offense and Defense.
I don’t want to hear anything but emphatic praise if we win! Praising us utterly smashing your expectations of overcoming all odds against such a Pittsburgh Powerhouse

As you suggest, the Cowboys have a very good offense, even without Lamb, as the Packers found out. Certainly better than Pittsburgh.

Prescott is playing much better than Rodgers this season, and Rodgers is playing well. I still think the Packers come out of Pitt with the W. Should be fun to see him again. Looking forward to a Parsons' sack (or two or three or four....).

 

[PackerRyche]

Throwing this out there. Rodgers saying the right things ahead of the game. This is from Demovsky interview at ESPN where Rodgers says he wants to retire as a Packer (obviously). "I was there for 18 years," Rodgers said of his time in Green Bay. "Regardless of when I hang it up, that's the bulk of my career. I'll retire a Packer and see what happens after that. I've got a lot of love for the organization [and] my time there. They asked this week is it a revenge game or whatever. What do I got to be avenging here? They made me a ton of money. I grew up there, spent some of the best years of my life there. I've got nothing but love for the organization."

 

[Heyjoe4]

Throwing this out there. Rodgers saying the right things ahead of the game. This is from Demovsky interview at ESPN where Rodgers says he wants to retire as a Packer (obviously). "I was there for 18 years," Rodgers said of his time in Green Bay. "Regardless of when I hang it up, that's the bulk of my career. I'll retire a Packer and see what happens after that. I've got a lot of love for the organization [and] my time there. They asked this week is it a revenge game or whatever. What do I got to be avenging here? They made me a ton of money. I grew up there, spent some of the best years of my life there. I've got nothing but love for the organization."

He's saying the right things, as he should. There's no way to see this as a "revenge" game. Rodgers was traded at the right time. He still wanted to play football and the Packers wanted to build a team that would compete for many more years. Both sides got what they wanted.

It will be fun to see him on the opposite side of the ball. Looking for a few sacks from Parsons and the rest of the D. and looking for a big W for the Packers!

 

[Magooch]

Something to keep an eye on - might just be gamesmanship/mind games, extra rest, etc, but after having a veteran rest day, TJ Watt was listed on the injury report as limited yesterday due to a hip injury

 

[Voyageur]

I don't think we give up 37 points, I wouldn't be shocked if they nag 30 on us. The book is out on Hafley's soft zone D, and I expect Rodgers **** and dunk up and down the field all night long, 6-8 yards at a time.

I still think we win, but unless Hafley adds a couple new tricks to his D, I think Rodgers will feast on us, one little bitty bite at a time.

Couldn't be said better. He's the master at seeing little weaknesses and exploiting them. If you haven't got gray hair yet you might expect a lot of it before the game is over.

In the past, when Rodgers didn't have the best receivers around him, I always referred to him as being a QB who could destroy you by using "death by a thousand cuts" as he moved the team down the field. What he lacks in physical ability to stay out of the way of rushing defenders is offset by his quick release. Like him or not the best description of him when it comes to football is that he's "One smart dude."

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Throwing this out there. Rodgers saying the right things ahead of the game. This is from Demovsky interview at ESPN where Rodgers says he wants to retire as a Packer (obviously). "I was there for 18 years," Rodgers said of his time in Green Bay. "Regardless of when I hang it up, that's the bulk of my career. I'll retire a Packer and see what happens after that. I've got a lot of love for the organization [and] my time there. They asked this week is it a revenge game or whatever. What do I got to be avenging here? They made me a ton of money. I grew up there, spent some of the best years of my life there. I've got nothing but love for the organization."

Rodgers is pretty good with his words to try and keep himself....immune...from ridicule.

That said, Rodgers is a BIG time competitor and no matter what he says publicly, this IS the biggest game that he has played in since being traded by the Packers. No matter what he says or what people want to think, this is a "You should have never drafted Love" game. Rodgers wants to win this game and he wants to look great doing it.

Is that wrong? Absolutely not. I would feel the same way if I was in Rodgers cleats.